F-1 (Visa)

F-1 (Visa)If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student Visa) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

GENERALLY REQUIRED EVIDENCE

• I-20 from a school approved by USCIS showing that you enrolled as a full-time student• Evidence of sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study• Evidence of your permanent residence in your home country which you have no intention of giving up

PROCEDURE

B. Consular Processing outside the United StatesStage 1: Collecting Evidence Stage 2: Submit a Petition to the US Embassy Stage 3: Interview at the US Embassy Stage 4: Approval/Return of Passport & Visa

TIME FRAMES

A. Change of Status in the United StatesStage 1 to Stage 2: about 2 monthsStage 2 to Stage 3: about 3 months

B. Consular Processing outside the United StatesStage 1 to Stage 2: about 2 monthsStage 2 to Stage 3: about 2 months (depending on the workload and processing time of the US Embassy you are applying to)Stage 3 to Stage 4: about 1 week (depending on the workload and processing time of the US Embassy you are applying to)

EXCEPTIONS & NOTICE

A. Period of Stay: depends on the duration of your studyB. F-1 visa holder’s employment: F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. There are various programs available for F-1 students to seek off-campus employment, after the first academic year. F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, after they have studied for one academic year. These three types of employment are: 1) Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 2) Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion) 3) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)C. F-1 visa holder’s off-campus employment must be related to their area of study.